Adventure in Tamil Nadu

A land of tall casuarina and palm grooves, sun and warmth, silver land beaches, mythical legends and the imposing intricately carved temple towers (gopurams) nestled amidst a oriental lushness, Tamil Nadu greet travellers from far and wide.

Since time immemorial, Tamil Nadu has been a getaway to the south and even then, amazingly, the region retains its old-world charm. A wonderful blend of ancient and modern, Tamil Nadu is now gaining popularity among the adventure lovers as well.

Bestowed with several ideal locations for the adventure sports, Tamil Nadu attracts large number of adventure seekers from all over the world. So, visit this charming land and enjoy adventure sports like Hang Gliding, Trekking, Water Sports, Boating, Golfing and much more.

Hang Gliding in Nilgiris
The Nilgiri ranges in Tamil Nadu is renowned not just for its pristine natural beauty, charming towns, lush tea gardens and coffee plantations, but is also famous as a wonderful destination for the adventure sport of Hang Gliding.

Just 20 kms from Ooty, Kalahatty in Nilgiris is a perfect place for undertaking Hang Gliding expedition. Start off your gliding trip from the launch pad at Kalahatty and fly over the densely covered forested areas, small villages and some unexplored regions. Apart from these, if you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of some wild animals in the sanctuary below.

Kalahatty waterfall is another attraction on this criss-country route, which you can cover on your gliding trip. Also known as ‘Kalahasti Falls’, Kalahatty waterfall is home to a wide variety of wild animals such as Panthers, Sambar, Bison, Wild Buffaloes etc.
Kalahatty is well-connected by a motorable road, you can hire private taxis or cars from Ooty to reach this place. March to May and September to November is the best time to enjoy hang gliding in Nilgiris.

As Hang Gliding is not much popular in Niligiris, so the Madras (Chennai) Hang - Gliders Association (MHGA) is taking special interest on popularizing this adventure sport. The Madras Hang-Gliders Association provides essential training as well as motorized hang gliders to gliding enthusiasts.

Water Sports in Tamil Nadu
Situated at the coast of Bay of Bengal, the enchanting state of Tamil Nadu offers a number of exciting water sports like surfing, angling, water scooters etc.

Wind Surfing : Visit the famous Coromandel coast where the sea is rough, strong and rolling providing suitable conditions for enjoy Surfing. At some places the surface is rocky with shallow water stretch, where you can undertake the sport of Wind Surfing.

Just 35 kms south of Chennai, Muttukadu is an ideal place for Wind Surfing. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (TTDC) and several private operators provide essential Salis (equipment used in Wind Surfing) as well as Wind Surfing equipments to Surf-riders.

Angling : Angling is another interesting water sport in Tamil Nadu which attracts large number of adventure enthusiasts every year. In Tamil Nadu, there are several water bodies which have been identified as an excellent spot for Angling.

Head towards Nilgiri hills where you can enjoy trout fishing in famous water bodies such as the Mukkurthi river and the lake, Avalanchi river, Emarald river, Bilitha Dakulla river, Gurmund river and reservoir, Western Catchment reservoir, Upper Bhavani reservoir, Chambar, Kallkundi, Peermund streams, Silent Valley streams, Parsons Valley stream, Aradha Puzha, Bhavani Puzha, Emeri Puzha, Kings Dhar Stream, Thirupanthurai etc.

You can also go for trout fishing in Kodaikanal hills where Pulavachiyar and Konalar streams are recommended sites. Kodi Lake is noted for carp fishing in Kodaikanal hills. In addition to these, Tamil Nadu’s 900 kms long coastline provides you ample opportunity for Marine fishing.

Boating in Ooty Lake (Boat House) : This artificial lake was constructed here in 1824 by Mr. Silvan. Presently the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) maintains the Boat House and keeps it open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Boating facilities as well as Pony rides are also available along the lake all through the day.
Trekking in Tamil Nadu
A tropical land, Tamil Nadu boasts of mighty hill ranges covered with lush evergreen forests, dense dry deciduous forests and scrubs which offers exciting opportunities for trek enthusiasts.

From simplest to challenging one, Tamil Nadu is endowed with a variety of trek routes. Some of the popular regions where you can undertake trekking expedition are Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Kodaikanal, Anamalai Hills, Kolli Hills, Elagiri Hills, Kalakkadu - Mundathurai etc.

Golfing in Tamil Nadu
Started in 1889 by Colonel Ross Thompson, the Golf Club in Ooty (Nilgiris) has now grew into the present 18-hole course of international fame. The present day Golf Club is an amalgamation of the Gymkhana Club and the ABC Club.

Undoubtedly the Golf course is unique in itself and playing on it is certainly an exceptional experience. After enjoying the game, you can climb up the nearby hill to take some spectacular view.